For almost two years, imports from Mexico, with which Brazil has a free trade agreement (FYA), have been facing quota constraints imposed by the federal government. Higher volumes can be imported but higher retail prices – as a consequence of the extra tax applied – make them uncompetitive.
Nissan has been among the more severely hit because it imports its volume selling compacts – the March [Micra] and Versa, that compete in the heart of the Brazilian market – as well as the larger Tiida and Sentra.
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This will, however, change in 2014 with the opening of the new Resende (Rio de Janeiro region) assembly plant in March and the start of local March and Versa production.
Also in March 2014 the quota on Mexican imports will again in what should be the last year for any Brazilian restrictions. Full Brazil-Mexico free trade is expected to resume in March 2015.
All this had prompted the Japanese brand to launch the redesigned Sentra now at fairly competitive prices: from BRL60,990/US$27,700 to BRL71,990/US$32,700.
This stylish new car has a roomy interior, especially in the back, and is competitive with the segment best seller, the locally produced Honda Civic. The 503 litre/17.8cu ft boot is on par with that of the 10 competitors but the 52 litre/11.4 imp gallon fuel tank limits range somewhat, especially for a compact medium saloon.
The Sentra has also evolved in ride comfort and driveability. The CVT automatic gearbox, not unanimously appreciated here in Brazil, enables relaxed 120km/h/75mph cruising at an engine speed of just 2,000rpm but the 136bhp engine has less power than most rivals.
Another quota restricted import from Mexico is Chevrolet’s new Tracker compact SUV. It shares architecture with the locally produced Onix, Prisma, Cobalt and Spin as well as the Sonic imported from Mexico.
This is Brazil’s version of the US Buick Encore, Europe’s Ope/Vauxhall Mokka and the global Chevy Trax but it has inherited the name of the Argentinia built, Suzuki Vitara based model axed back in 2008. [Replaced by I4 variants of the Mexican-built Chevrolet Captiva Sport sold in Brazil – ed]
Due to importation constraints, GM Brazil has opted to take the new model only in top line LTZ form which retails for BRL71,900/US$32,700. Rear seat room did not excite just-auto, nor the relatively small 306 litre/10.8cu ft only boot.
Driving position and dynamic behaviour are, however, on par with contemporary rival small SUVs. While diesels dominate in the European model lines, the Brazilian Chevy has a 1.8 litre/109.8cu in/142bhp petrol engine which is mostly up to the job but would lack power if combined with four wheel drive but that option is not available here, at least for now.
In overall performance, the Tracker trails Ford’s new EcoSport Titanium and Renault’s Duster Dynamique which both have two litre petrol engines with similar power outputs but higher torque.
